Objective To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of lung ultrasound(LUS)com-bined with serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-12p70 for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia(CAP).Methods A total of 136 pediatric patients with suspected CAP were enrolled and divided in-to CAP group(95 patients)and non-CAP group(41 patients)based on chest computed tomography(CT)results as the gold standard.The LUS characteristics,LUS scores,serum levels of IL-1 β and IL-12p70 were compared between the two groups at admission.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of LUS combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 for CAP.Results The incidence rates of interstitial disease,pleural line abnormalities,pleural effusion,lung consolidation,and bronchial signs were higher in the CAP group than those in the non-CAP group(P＜0.05).The serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-12p70 and LUS scores were also high-er in the CAP group than in the non-CAP group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for the diagnosis of CAP using LUS scores combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 at admission was 0.981,with a sensitivity of 93.68％,a specificity of 95.12％,and a diagnostic effica-cy was significantly higher than that of each index alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion LUS combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 has high diagnostic value for pediatric CAP.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with an unclear pathogenesis, primarily affecting the digestive tract. Perianal involvement represents a complex form of CD. Refractory proctoanal CD is a major cause of rectal resection and permanent anal sphincter dysfunction in patients. The colon pull-through with delayed anastomosis of the anal canal involves the resection of the diseased rectum and the management of the dentate line and anal canal. After the pulled-through colon has adhered to the anal canal, a revision and anastomosis are performed, aiming to preserve anal function and enhance the patients' quality of life. The specific criteria and timing for selecting this surgical approach for refractory proctoanal CD merit further discussion and investigation.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with an unclear pathogenesis, primarily affecting the digestive tract. Perianal involvement represents a complex form of CD. Refractory proctoanal CD is a major cause of rectal resection and permanent anal sphincter dysfunction in patients. The colon pull-through with delayed anastomosis of the anal canal involves the resection of the diseased rectum and the management of the dentate line and anal canal. After the pulled-through colon has adhered to the anal canal, a revision and anastomosis are performed, aiming to preserve anal function and enhance the patients' quality of life. The specific criteria and timing for selecting this surgical approach for refractory proctoanal CD merit further discussion and investigation.

This article summarized the clinical experience of MEI Guoqiang in treating lung cancer of phlegm-heat obstructed in the lung syndrome with modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction （小陷胸汤）. It is believed that the key pathogenesis of lung cancer with phlegm-heat obstructed in the lung syndrome is the phlegm-heat toxin accumulation. According to the different pathogenic effects of qi stagnation， blood stasis， pathogenic toxin， phlegm-damp， qi deficiency， yin deficiency in the occurrence and development of the disease， it is advocated to clear heat and resolve phlegm， and additionally the methods of diffusing the lung and relieving cough， resolving toxins and dissipating masses， rectifying qi and activating blood， dispelling dampness， supplementing and boosting qi and yin are used if necessary. Multiple methods are used together and flexibly matched. In clinical practice， Xiaoxian-xiong Decoction with the function of clearing heat and relieving phlegm is recommended as the basic formula for further modification. For patients with mild lung symptoms， modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction is commonly used， while for those with obvious symptoms， self-made Maxing Xianxiong Decoction（麻杏陷胸汤） in modifications is suggested. For patients with Shaoyang （少阳） diseases， modified Chaihu Xianxiong Decoction （柴胡陷胸汤） is often used.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of a dose-surface histogram (DSH) for radiation cystitis (RC) in patients with cervical cancer. Methods We retrospectively included 190 patients with cervical cancer who underwent image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) from the HIS system of The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from May 2013 to May 2023. The patients were divided into test group (n = 100) and control group (n = 90). The dose distribution in the bladder was evaluated by using a DSH for the test group and using a dose-volume histogram (DVH) for the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of DSH for RC in comparison with DVH. Results There were no significant differences in baseline data and RC incidence between the two groups (all P＞0.05). All evaluation indicators were significantly different between DSH and DVH (all P＜0.05). The predictive value of S₄₅ and V₄₅ for the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC was low (all P＜0.05). The predictive value of S₅₀ and V₅₀ for the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC was moderate (all P＜0.05). S₅₅−S₅₇ and V₅₅−V₅₇ showed high value for predicting the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC (all P＜0.05). Conclusion DSH shows basically the same predictive value for the incidence of RC caused by IGRT in cervical cancer as DVH, which is expected to become a new tool for evaluating radiotherapy plans.

BACKGROUND:Tissue engineering has brought new hope to the clinical challenge of liver failure,and the preparation of plant-derived decellularized fiber scaffolds holds significant importance in liver tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To prepare apple tissue decellularized scaffold material by using fresh apple slices and a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate,and assess its biocompatibility. METHODS:Fresh apples were subjected to decellularization using phosphate buffer saline and sodium dodecyl sulfate solution,separately.Afterwards,the decellularized apple tissues and apple decellularized scaffold materials were decontaminated with phosphate buffer saline.Subsequently,scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the effectiveness of decellularization of the apple materials.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the inguinal fat BALB/C of mice,and their expression of stem cell-related markers(CD45,CD34,CD73,CD90,and CD105)was identified through flow cytometry.The cells were then divided into a scaffold-free control group and a scaffold group.Equal amounts of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto both groups.The biocompatibility of the decellularized scaffold with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was evaluated using CCK-8 assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,and phalloidine staining.Cell adhesion and growth on the scaffold were observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Furthermore,the scaffold was subdivided into the non-induced group and the hepatogenic-induced group.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the decellularized apple scaffold,and they were cultured for 14 days in regular culture medium or hepatogenic induction medium for comparison.Immunofluorescent staining using liver cell markers,including albumin,cytokeratin 18,and CYP1A1,was performed.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the secretion of alpha fetoprotein and albumin.Additionally,scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the morphology of the induced cells on the scaffold,verifying the expression of liver cell-related genes on the decellularized scaffold material.Finally,the cobalt-60 irradiated and sterilized decellularized apple scaffolds were transplanted onto the surface of mouse liver and the degradation of the scaffold was observed by gross observation and hematoxylin-eosin staining after 28 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the decellularized apple scaffold material retained a porous structure of approximately 100 μm in size,with no residual cells observed.(2)Through flow cytometry analysis,the cultured cells were identified as adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.(3)CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that the prepared decellularized apple tissue scaffold material exhibited no cytotoxicity.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and phalloidine staining showed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were capable of adhering and proliferating on the decellularized apple tissue scaffold.(4)The results obtained from immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the decellularized apple scaffolds exhibited elevated expression of liver-specific proteins,including albumin,alpha-fetoprotein,cytokeratin 18,and CYP1A1.These results suggested that they were induced differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells possessing functional characteristics of liver cells.(5)The decellularized apple scaffold implanted at 7 days has integrated with the liver,with partial degradation of the scaffold observed.By 28 days,the decellularized apple scaffold has completely degraded and has been replaced by newly-formed tissue.(6)The results indicate that the decellularized scaffold material derived from apple tissue demonstrates favorable biocompatibility,promoting the proliferation,adhesion,and hepatic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurement is the initial diagnostic test for Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We compared UFC determination by both direct and extraction immunoassays using Abbott Architect, Siemens Atellica Solution, and Beckman DxI800 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, we evaluated the value of 24-hr UFC measured by six methods for diagnosing CS. Methods: Residual 24-hr urine samples of 94 CS and 246 non-CS patients were collected.A laboratory-developed LC-MS/MS method was used as reference. UFC was measured by direct assays (D) using Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman platforms and by extraction assays (E) using Siemens and Beckman platforms. Method was compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot analyses. Cut-off values for the six assays and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated by ROC analysis. Results: Abbott-D, Beckman-E, Siemens-E, and Siemens-D showed strong correlations with LC-MS/MS (Spearman coefficient r = 0.965, 0.922, 0.922, and 0.897, respectively), while Beckman-D showed weaker correlation (r = 0.755). All immunoassays showed proportionally positive bias. The areas under the curve were 0.975 for Abbott-D, 0.972 for LCMS/MS, 0.966 for Siemens-E, 0.948 for Siemens-D, 0.955 for Beckman-E, and 0.877 for Beckman-D. The cut-off values varied significantly (154.8–1,321.5 nmol/24 hrs). Assay sensitivity and specificity ranged from 76.1% to 93.2% and from 93.0% to 97.1%, respectively. Conclusions Commercially available immunoassays for measuring UFC show different levels of analytical consistency compared to LC-MS/MS. Abbott-D, Siemens-E, and Beckman-E have high diagnostic accuracy for CS.

Crohn′s disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the digestive tract. Rectal and perianal involvement is a complex manifestation of CD. Refractory proctoanal type CD is the main cause of rectal resection and permanent anal dysfunction. Recently, our center performed modified Bacon surgery in two CD patients with complex rectoperineal and rectovaginal fistulas who were about to undergo rectotomy and enterostomy. The data of these two cases are summarized and reported.

The polyfoliate perforator flap is a new type of flap that was developed on the basis of the traditional polyfoliate myocutaneous flap, polyfoliate fascial flap and perforator flap. It overturns the traditional idea that the deep fascial vascular network is the fundamental for a survival of the flap, and enables the flaps to achieve the best profile and function of the recipient areas with minimal damage to the donor area. In order to improve the understanding of the polyfoliate perforator flap and further standardise its clinical application, this paper forms a consensus on the definition, classification, indications, operative points and precautions of the polyfoliate perforator flap, so as to provide references in diagnosis and treatment process and practical application for the surgeons.

Objective:To study the clinically curative effect of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with intercepted basket of capture and extraction device for stone(N-trap)in treating middle and upper ureteral stones.Methods:A total of 112 patients with middle and upper ureteral stone who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Urology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from September 2020 to September 2022 were prospectively selected as the study subjects,and they were divided into two groups according to the random number table method,with 56 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy alone,and the observation group was treated with ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with N-trap intercepted basket for treatment.The related indicators of surgery,the stone removal effect,renal function indicators,postoperative renal mass,postoperative recurrence and postoperative complications between two groups were compared.The scores of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life(WISQOL)questionnaire were used to compare and evaluate the postoperative quality of life between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences in intraoperative operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05),and the postoperative hospitalization time in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(t=3.464,P<0.05).The success rate of one-time lithotripsy and the clearance rate of stone within 30 d in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and the upward movement rate of stones of the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.698,7.240,5.489,P<0.05),respectively.The postoperative serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and urine microalbumin(UMA)in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.320,8.115,9.231,P<0.05),respectively.The degree of hydronephrosis at 3,6 and 12 months after surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.218,3.345,2.985,P<0.05),respectively.The recurrence rates at 6 and 12 months after surgery in the inspection group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=5.114,5.783,P<0.05),respectively.The incidence of postoperative complication in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(x2=4.865,P<0.05).The total score of the each dimension of WISQOL scale,and the total score of energy,sleep status,physical symptoms and overall emotion in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.734,3.889,3.903,4.340,4.650,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The curative effect of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with N-trap intercepted basket is certain,which can effectively improve the clearance rate of stone,and shorten the postoperative hospitalization time,and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate,and promote the recovery of renal function,and improve the quality of life of patients after surgery.